Thursday, March 10, 2011

How to Change an Air Cabin Filter

Copied with permission -  2carpros.com

Replacing your car's air cabin filter is a relatively simple repair that can be done in a few minutes with minor tools in most cases. Always wear protective gloves and eye wear before you begin servicing your car. To replace the cabin filter, first locate the air cabin filter housing; it is usually under the dash on the passenger side or under the hood near the rear of the cowl. Air cabin filters are similar to air filters but cabin filters have better filtering qualities. To determine if your cabin filter needs to be changed, remove the filter housing retainer clips or screws and remove the filter, gently tap the filter, if you see dust falling from the air cleaner it is filled to capacity and needs to be replaced.
Step 1: Remove the main access cover, undo the cover fasteners to remove cover and side cover if needed.
Locate Air Cabin FilterStep 2: Locate and undo retainer clip to remove air cabin filter, compare the filter size to the replacement filter and reassemble. Note: clean air cabin filter housing to help keep the vehicle inlet air clean.


Replace Air Cabin Filter


Common Problems:
  • Air cabin filter becomes plugged not allowing air flow into the vehicle cabin.
  • Air cabin filter becomes moist creating mildew and odors.
Air cabin filter are a necessity for anyone needing to breath filtered air while in or driving a car. While driving there are many impurities in the air that are made airborne by passing cars. Every car in front of you is forcing the dust from the ground and into the air.
When you turn on the air conditioner or heater this air cabin filter is put into action. Like any filter it becomes dirty inhibiting the air flow through the vents. When the air cabin filter gets plugged less air can pass through until no air flow is experienced. Most automobiles have a air cabin filter easily replaceable with everyday tools. The filter is located somewhere in the heating/air conditioner duct work either under the dash or hood on the passenger side.
Replacing your car's air cabin filter is a relatively simple repair that can be done in a few minutes with minor tools in most cases. The air cabin filter can be sometimes referred as a hypo filter short for hypoallergenic filter. If you cannot locate the air cabin filter in your car please consult the car's owner's manual. Some cars are not equipped with an air cable filter so don't be alarmed if you cannot find it.
When removing the air cabin filter use caution to not allow any excess debris to enter the venting system. After the filter has been removed use a damp cloth to wipe clean the air cabin filter housing and cover. The air cabin filter will have a sealing gasket that helps trap dirt from getting around the filter. Either the filter will come with a new one or simply reuse the old one.